How to Become a Solicitor in England and Wales?

Becoming a solicitor in England and Wales requires a combination of academic qualifications, passing qualifying exams and gaining qualified work experience. The profession is regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority, and the process of becoming a solicitor typically takes several years to complete. To become a solicitor via the newly implemented SQE route, you will need to follow these specific steps:

Obtain a bachelor's degree: To be eligible to take the SQE, you must have a bachelor's degree or work experience equivalent to a UK degree. The degree can be in any subject and there is no specific subject requirement.

Pass SQE1: Once you have obtained a degree or equivalent qualification, you must pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). SQE1 consists of two multiple-choice tests, each lasting 180 minutes. It tests candidates' functioning legal knowledge, covering topics such as contract law, tort law, criminal law, property law, constitutional law, retained EU law, professional conduct and ethics, wills and probate, trusts, and company law.

Pass SQE2: After passing SQE1, you are eligible for taking SQE2, which consists of two separate assessments. The first assessment is a client interviewing and attendance note-taking exercise. Candidates are given a scenario involving a client and must conduct a simulated client interview, taking detailed and accurate notes on the client's instructions and objectives. The second assessment is a written and oral advocacy exercise. Candidates are given a scenario involving a legal problem and must prepare a written document such as a letter, email, or advice note, and then present their advice orally to a simulated client or colleague.

Obtain QWE: You must complete a period of two years of qualifying work experience (QWE). This can be completed before, during or after taking the SQE. The QWE must be completed in at least two competency areas of legal practice and must be supervised by a solicitor or qualified legal officer such as Compliance Officer for Legal Practice. The QWE can be completed in a maximum of 4 organisations.

Apply for admission: Once you have passed the SQE and completed the two years of QWE, you can apply for admission to the roll of solicitors. You must demonstrate that you have met the SRA's character and suitability requirements, and you must also provide evidence of your completion of the SQE and QWE.

The SQE is a relatively new qualification route, and some aspects of the qualification process may change as it is implemented. You should always check the SRA website for the latest information and guidance on the SQE route to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales.
Back to blog
UOLLB SQE Turbocharge

UOLLB SQE Turbocharge

Get ready for the SQE1 with high-performance SQE Study Guides developed by UOLLB and published by UOL Press to revolutionise your study method and exam strategy.

Turbocharge SQE Performance Here

UOL Case Bank

Upon joining, you become a valuable UOL student and gain instant access to over 2,100 essential case summaries. UOL Case Bank is constantly expanding. Speed up your revision with us now.

Subscribe Now

Where are our students from?

Council of Europe
Crown Prosecution Service
Baker Mckenzie 
Yale University
University of Chicago
Columbia University
New York University
University of Michigan 
INSEAD
University of London
University College London (UCL)
London School of Economics (LSE)
King’s College London (KCL)
Royal Holloway, University of London 
Birkbeck, University of London
SOAS, University of London
University of Manchester
University of Zurich
University of York
Brandeis University
University of Exeter
University of Sheffield
Boston University
University of Washington
University of Leeds
University of Law
University of Kent
University of Hull
Queen’s University Belfast
Toronto Metropolitan University
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
University of Buckingham
ESSEC Business School

  • Criminal Practice

    Diagrams and Charts

    Our carefully designed diagrams and charts will guide you through complex legal issues.

  • Criminal Law

    Clear and Succinct Definitions

    Key concepts are concisely defined to help you understand legal topics quickly.

  • Property Law

    Statutory Provisions

    Statutory provisions are provided side by side with legal concepts to help you swiftly locate the relevant legislation.

  • Public Law

    Case Summaries

    We have summarised important cases for you so that you don't need to read long and boring cases.

  • Evidence

    Rules and Exceptions

    Rules and exceptions are clearly listed so that you know when a rule applies and when it doesn't.

  • Company Law

    Terminology

    Legal terms and key concepts are explained at the beginning of each chapter to help you learn efficiently.

  • Case Law

    Case law is provided side by side with legal concepts so that you know how legal principles and precedents were established.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Law Essay Guide

    You will learn essential law exam skills and essay writing techniques that are not taught in class.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Problem Question Guide

    We will show you how to answer problem questions step by step to achieve first-class results.

  • Conflict of Laws

    Structured Explanations

    Complex legal concepts are broken down into concise and digestible bullet point explanations.

  • Legal System and Method

    Legal Research

    You will learn legal research techniques with our study guide and become a proficient legal researcher.

  • Jurisprudence and Legal Theory

    Exam-focused

    All essential concepts, principles, and case law are included so that you can answer exam questions quickly.